Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

On 19th September, I will be taking on the challenge of an Open Water Swim in the Serpentine to raise money for research into Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC)—the most aggressive and one of the rarest forms of breast cancer.

As a Consultant Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon at University Hospitals Birmingham and Honorary Associate Professor in Cancer Genomics at the University of Birmingham, I see first-hand the devastating impact that IBC has on patients and their families. Unlike most breast cancers, IBC often presents without a lump, progresses rapidly, and can be difficult to diagnose, leading to delays in treatment.

I am proud to have helped establish the UK's first dedicated Inflammatory Breast Cancer Clinic in Birmingham, bringing together specialist expertise to improve diagnosis, treatment and support for patients from across the country. Alongside my clinical work, I lead research aimed at improving outcomes for people diagnosed with this devastating disease. This includes developing a UK National IBC Registry, establishing new clinical trials, and identifying better ways to diagnose and treat IBC.

Despite its aggressive nature, IBC remains under-researched and patients have historically been excluded from many clinical trials. We are determined to change that.

Swimming in open water will certainly be a challenge, but it is insignificant compared with the challenges faced every day by people living with Inflammatory Breast Cancer.

Every donation, no matter how small, will help support research that brings us closer to earlier diagnosis, better treatments and, ultimately, improved survival for patients with IBC.

Thank you so much for your generosity and support.